One of those ideas, the Dean brought people together to discuss Charlottesville because what we should have is a civil discourse and talk about these issues, that’s a better idea.We received outstanding feedback from that session at Charlottesville, but I also have a better idea and it’s about our diversity, and its the power of the diversity, the power of the 4,000 of you and all of the people that are on the staff tower and lining the glass, the power of us as a diverse group, the power that we come from all walks of life, that we come from all parts of this country, that we come from all races, we come from all backgrounds, gender, all makeup, all upbringing.
"We would also be tone deaf not to think about the backdrop of what is going on in our country.
And I’ll tell you, that the appropriate response for horrible language and horrible ideas, the appropriate response is a better idea. The power of that diversity comes together and makes us that much more powerful.
In response, superintendent lieutenant general Jay Silveria gathered all the Air Force cadets yesterday and did not mince words. ... Read Jay Silveria’s full speech. that’s a much better idea than small thinking and horrible ideas. Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.Copyright © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. About 29 percent of the academy's cadets were minorities in 2015, according to the school's website. This is our institution and no one can take away our values. Silveria, a veteran fighter pilot who directed the air war in the Middle East, took command at the school in August.
Meet the Air Force general who delivered a powerful speech against racism. “If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, then get out,” he said to the audience of 4,000 cadets and 1,500 faculty members and military personnel. You heard from Brigadier General Goodwin, Brigadier General Armacost is here, Colonel Block from the athletic department is here, Mr. Knowlton is in Washington, DC right now.That’s why they’re here. The academy has struggled with sexual misconduct problems several times in recent years, and the 1985 academy graduate and son of an Air Force master sergeant has repeatedly told cadets and staff that his highest priority is ensuring a climate of dignity and respect. If you’re outraged by those words then you’re in the right place. I’m serious, reach for your phones. His class was 7 percent black compared with 8 percent in 2015. These are members of the faculty, coaching staff, AOC’s, AMT’s, from the airfield, from my staff, from my headquarters, all aspects of the 10th Airbase Wing, all aspects that make up USAFA and the United States Air Force Academy leadership is here. AD
Also, there’s so many people here, they’re lining the outsides along the windows.
We have an opportunity here, 5,500 people in this room, to think about what we are as an institution. Things like Charlottesville and Ferguson, the protests in the NFL, that’s why we have a better idea. Ten percent were Hispanic, 10 percent Asian and Pacific islander and 1 percent Native American. So that’s why I’m here. On Tuesday, Silveria, the Air Force general who gained national fame for his speech condemning the September incidents at the preparatory academy, stood by his original remarks. If you demean someone in any way, then you need to get out. No one can write on a board and question our values.
We would also be tone-deaf not to think about the backdrop of what’s going on in our country.